Closure assembly for linear surgical stapler

ABSTRACT

A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member having a distal portion that supports a plurality of staple-forming pockets, a second elongate member having a distal portion that supports a staple cartridge, and a clamp member movable from an open position to a closed position to releasably clamp the first and second elongate members together. A clamp lockout feature is supported by the first elongate member and is moveable between a lockout position in which the clamp lockout feature prevents closure of the clamp member, and a release position in which the clamp lockout feature permits closure of the clamp member. An actuating feature is supported by the second elongate member and is configured to actuate the clamp lockout feature from the lockout position to the release position in response to approximation of the distal portions of the first and second elongate members.

BACKGROUND

In some surgical operations, such as a gastrointestinal anastomosis, itmay be desirable to clamp down on one or more layers of tissue, cutthrough the clamped layers, and simultaneously drive staples through thelayers to substantially seal the severed layers of tissue together neartheir severed ends. One such instrument that may be used in suchoperations is a linear surgical stapler, also referred to as a “linearcutter.” A linear surgical stapler generally includes a first half(referred to as a “cartridge half” or “reload half”) having a distal jawconfigured to support a staple cartridge (or “reload”), and a secondhalf (referred to as an “anvil half”) having a distal jaw that supportsan anvil surface having staple-forming features. The stapler furtherincludes a moveable clamp lever configured to releasably clamp thestapler halves together. The stapler halves are configured to pivotrelative to one another to receive and clamp tissue between the twodistal jaws when the clamp lever is closed. A firing assembly of thestapler is configured to be actuated to cut the clamped layers andsimultaneously drive staples through the tissue on either side of thecut line. After firing the stapler, the clamp lever may be opened andthe stapler halves separated to release the severed and stapled tissue.

While various kinds of surgical stapling instruments and associatedcomponents have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior tothe inventor(s) has made or used the invention described in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention,and, together with the general description of the invention given above,and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve toexplain the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a distal perspective view of an exemplary linear surgicalstapler, showing a cartridge half and an anvil half of the staplercoupled together with a clamp lever of the cartridge half in a fullyclosed position;

FIG. 2 depicts an exploded perspective view of the linear surgicalstapler of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of a staple cartridgeassembly of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A depicts a cross-sectional side view of the linear surgicalstapler of FIG. 1, showing the stapler halves coupled together at theirproximal ends with the clamp lever in an open position;

FIG. 4B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the linear surgicalstapler of FIG. 1, showing the stapler halves coupled together with theclamp lever in a partially closed position;

FIG. 4C depicts a cross-sectional side view of the linear surgicalstapler of FIG. 1, showing the stapler halves coupled together with theclamp lever in a fully closed position;

FIG. 5A depicts a distal perspective view of the linear surgical staplerof FIG. 1, showing an actuator of the stapler in a proximal, pre-firedposition;

FIG. 5B depicts a distal perspective view of the linear surgical staplerof FIG. 1, showing the actuator in a distal, fired position;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary linear surgicalstapler;

FIG. 7 depicts a partially-exploded perspective view of the linearsurgical stapler of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a distal end of an anvil half ofthe linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 depicts a side cross-sectional view of the anvil half of thelinear surgical stapler of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10A depicts a side elevational view of the linear surgical staplerof FIG. 6, showing distal portions of the stapler halves beingapproximated toward one another while a proximal lockout pin of theanvil half is in a lockout position;

FIG. 10B depicts a side elevational view of the linear surgical staplerof FIG. 6, showing the distal portions of the stapler halves beingfurther approximated so that a proximal cam ramp of the cartridge halfactuates the proximal lockout pin of the anvil half proximally to arelease position;

FIG. 10C depicts a side elevational view of the linear surgical staplerof FIG. 6, showing a distal latch pin of the anvil half travelingdistally within a cam slot of the cartridge half as a clamp lever of theanvil half is closed;

FIG. 10D depicts a side elevational view of the linear surgical staplerof FIG. 6, showing the clamp lever in a fully closed position;

FIG. 11A depicts a schematic side view of a proximal portion of anotherexemplary linear surgical stapler, showing a button member of thecartridge half in a proximal position when the clamp lever is closed;

FIG. 11B depicts a schematic side view of a proximal portion of thelinear surgical stapler of FIG. 11A, showing the button member actuatedto a distal position after the clamp lever is opened;

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of a clamping portion of anotherexemplary linear surgical stapler, showing a blocking element in anextended blocking position in which the blocking element preventsclosure of the clamp lever;

FIG. 13A depicts a side elevational view of the clamping portion of thelinear surgical stapler of FIG. 12, showing the blocking element in theextended blocking position;

FIG. 13B depicts a side elevational view of the clamping portion of thelinear surgical stapler of FIG. 12, showing the blocking element in aretracted position in which the blocking element permits closure of theclamp lever;

FIG. 14 depicts a schematic side view of another exemplary linearsurgical stapler having an assistive element that facilitates opening ofthe clamp lever for separation of the stapler halves;

FIG. 15A depicts a schematic side view of the clamp lever, the assistivelever, and a firing assembly member of the linear surgical stapler ofFIG. 14, showing the assistive lever in a first rotational position whenthe clamp lever is open such that a lockout feature of the assistivelever prevents distal translation of the firing assembly member; and

FIG. 15B depicts a schematic side view of the clamp lever, the assistivelever, and the firing assembly member of the linear surgical stapler ofFIG. 14, showing the assistive lever in a second rotational positionwhen the clamp lever is closed such that the lockout feature of theassistive lever permits distal translation of the firing assemblymember.

The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it iscontemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carriedout in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depictedin the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming apart of the specification illustrate several aspects of the presentinvention, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples of the invention; it being understood, however, that thisinvention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the invention shouldnot be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples,features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdescription, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modescontemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all withoutdeparting from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptionsshould be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

For clarity of disclosure, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are definedherein relative to a surgeon, or other operator, grasping a surgicalinstrument having a distal surgical end effector. The term “proximal”refers to the position of an element arranged closer to the surgeon, andthe term “distal” refers to the position of an element arranged closerto the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument and further awayfrom the surgeon. Moreover, to the extent that spatial terms such as“upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” or the like are used hereinwith reference to the drawings, it will be appreciated that such termsare used for exemplary description purposes only and are not intended tobe limiting or absolute. In that regard, it will be understood thatsurgical instruments such as those disclosed herein may be used in avariety of orientations and positions not limited to those shown anddescribed herein.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” for any numericalvalues or ranges indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allowsthe part or collection of components to function for its intendedpurpose as described herein.

I. EXEMPLARY LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER

A. Overview of Linear Surgical Stapler

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary linear surgical stapler (10) (alsoreferred to as a “linear cutter”) suitable for use in a variety ofcutting and stapling procedures, such as a gastrointestinal anastomosisprocedure. Linear surgical stapler (10) includes a cartridge half (12)(also referred to as a “reload half”) and an anvil half (14) configuredto releasably couple together to clamp tissue therebetween. Cartridgehalf (12) includes an elongate cartridge channel (16) having a proximalframe portion (18) that slidably retains a portion of a firing assembly(34), a distal jaw portion (20) that supports a staple cartridge (80)(or “reload”), and a pair of upright side flanges (22) arranged mediallytherebetween.

Cartridge half (12) further includes a clamp lever (24) (also known as a“closure handle”) pivotably coupled to an underside of cartridge channel(16) in approximate alignment with side flanges (22). Clamp lever (24)includes an elongate lever arm (26) having a free proximal end and adistal end that is pivotably coupled to cartridge channel (16) with apivot pin (28). A pair of opposed jaws (30) (also referred to as “hooklatches”) extend distally from the distal end of lever arm (26)alongside flanges (22) of cartridge channel (16). Each jaw (30) includesa respective elongate slot (32) having a closed proximal end and an opendistal end, and which defines upper and lower camming surfacesconfigured to engage a respective latch projection (56) of anvil half(14). As described below, clamp lever (24) is operable to pivot relativeto cartridge channel (16) between open and closed positions toreleasably clamp anvil half (14) against cartridge half (12) and therebycapture tissue layers therebetween.

As shown best in FIG. 2, firing assembly (34) of cartridge half (12)includes a slider block (36) slidably retained within proximal frameportion (18) of cartridge channel (16), an actuator (38) (or “firingknob”) movably coupled with slider block (36), and an elongate actuatingbeam (not shown) extending distally from slider block (36) andconfigured to couple with a sled (100) (see FIG. 3) housed within staplecartridge (80). Actuator (38) of the present example is configured topivot about the proximal end of cartridge half (12) to provide for“dual-sided firing” of stapler (10). Specifically, actuator (38) may bepositioned along either lateral side of cartridge half (12) to perform adistal firing stroke, such that stapler (10) may be conveniently firedin a variety of orientations during a surgical procedure.

Slider block (36) is configured to be translatably driven withinproximal frame portion (18) by actuator (38) between a proximal homeposition shown in FIGS. 2 and 5A, and a distal fired position shown inFIG. 5B. In the proximal home position, slider block (36) abuts a post(40) fixed at a proximal end of cartridge channel (16). A free end ofpost (40) supports a laterally extending pivot pin (42). As describedbelow, actuator (38) may be driven distally when stapler halves (12, 14)are fully coupled together and clamp lever (24) is closed. Distaladvancement of actuator (38) along either lateral side of stapler (10)drives slider block (36) and the elongate actuating beam distally, whichin turn drives sled (100) distally through staple cartridge (80). Asdescribed below, distal translation of sled (100) through staplecartridge (80) provides for simultaneous stapling and cutting of tissueclamped between stapler halves (12, 14).

As shown best in FIGS. 1 and 2, anvil half (14) of linear surgicalstapler (10) includes an elongate anvil channel (50) having a proximalframe portion (52) and a distal jaw portion (54). Anvil channel (50)further includes a latch feature in the form of a pair of projections(56) that extend transversely from a medial portion of anvil channel(50) in a direction toward cartridge half (12). Each latch projection(56) may include a circular rotating cap configured to be capturedwithin the slot (32) of a respective clamp lever jaw (30) when anvilhalf (14) is coupled with cartridge half (12) and clamp lever (24) ispivoted from the open position to the closed position, as describedbelow. A pair of hooks (58) extend proximally from a proximal end offrame portion (52) and are configured to releasably capture opposedlateral ends of proximal pivot pin (42) of cartridge half (12). Distaljaw portion (54) supports an anvil surface in the form of an anvil plate(60) having a plurality of staple-forming pockets (not shown), andadditionally supports a distal tip member (62). In other versions ofstapler (10), the anvil surface may be formed integrally with orotherwise be rigidly connected to distal jaw portion (54) of anvilchannel (50). In the present version, each of anvil channel (50) andcartridge channel (16) is a monolithic structure formed of a metal, suchas stainless steel, that provides rigidity to the respective staplerhalf (12, 14).

Anvil half (14) of the present example further includes a staple heightadjustment mechanism (64) mounted to a medial portion of anvil channel(50). Staple height adjustment mechanism (64) is operatively coupledwith anvil plate (60), for example via one or more camming features (notshown), and includes a pair of user-engageable projections (66).Longitudinal adjustment of projections (66) between a plurality ofpredetermined positions causes anvil plate (60) to move transverselyrelative to distal jaw portion (54) of anvil channel (50). This enablesadjustment of a transverse gap distance between anvil plate (60) and adeck (94) of staple cartridge (80) that defines the height of staplesbeing formed. A larger gap distance, and thus a greater staple height,may be set when stapling tissues of greater thicknesses. Conversely, asmaller gap distance, and thus a smaller staple height, may be set whenstapling tissues of lesser thicknesses. It will be appreciated thatstaple height adjustment mechanism (64) may be omitted in some versions,in which case the anvil surface may be fixed relative to anvil channel(50). For instance, the anvil surface may be formed integrally with orotherwise fixedly secured to distal jaw portion (54).

As shown best in FIGS. 1 and 2, linear surgical stapler (10) furtherincludes a plurality of shrouds (70, 72, 74) that cover select portionsof stapler (10) and promote effective grip and manipulation of stapler(10) by an operator during use. In the present example, cartridge half(12) includes a first shroud (70) that covers an outwardly facing sideof proximal frame portion (18) of cartridge channel (16). Cartridge half(12) further includes a second shroud (72) that covers an outwardlyfacing side of clamp lever (24) and is configured to pivot with clamplever (24) relative to cartridge channel (16) and first shroud (70).Anvil half (14) includes a third shroud (74) that covers an outwardlyfacing side of proximal frame portion (52) of anvil channel (50),including proximal hooks (58). Each shroud (70, 72, 74) may be coupledwith its respective components of stapler (10) by any suitable meansapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, eachshroud (70, 72, 74) may be formed of one or more materials and beprovided with texturing suitable to promote effective gripping of theshroud (70, 72, 74) by an operator to enable safe and efficient use ofstapler (10) during a surgical procedure.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, staple cartridge (80) of the present exampleis an assembly that comprises a cartridge body (82), a pan (84) thatcovers an open lower side of cartridge body (82), and a plurality ofstaple drivers (86) housed within cartridge body (82) and each beingconfigured to drive a respective staple (88). Cartridge body (82)includes a proximal end having coupling features (90) configured toreleasably engage corresponding coupling features (not shown) of distaljaw portion (20) of cartridge channel (16), and a distal end defining atapered nose (92). An upper side of cartridge body (82) defines agenerally planar deck (94) through which a longitudinal slot (96) and aplurality of staple cavities (98) open. Each staple cavity (98) houses arespective staple driver (86) and a staple (88). As shown in FIG. 3, aninterior of cartridge body (82) slidably houses a sled (100) thatcomprises a sled body (102) and knife member (104). Lateral sides ofsled body (102) support a plurality of cam ramps (106) that taperdistally. A proximal end of sled body (102) includes a downwardlyextending tab (108) configured to lockingly engage a distal end of theelongate actuating beam (or “knife pusher”) (not shown) of firingassembly (34) when staple cartridge (80) is mounted to cartridge half(12) of stapler (10). Knife member (104) extends upwardly from an upperside of sled body (102) and presents a distally facing cutting edge(110) configured to cut tissue.

Sled (100) is configured to translate distally through cartridge body(82) in response to distal actuation of firing assembly (34), such thatknife member (104) translates distally through longitudinal slot (96) tocut tissue clamped between stapler halves (12, 14). Simultaneously, camramps (106) translate distally through respective interior slots (notshown) of cartridge body (82) to actuate staple drivers (86) and staples(88) upwardly through staple cavities (98) so that free ends of staples(88) pierce through the clamped tissue and deform against staple-formingpockets of anvil plate (60). In this manner, distal actuation of firingassembly (34) provides for simultaneous severing and stapling of tissueclamped between the distal end effector portions of stapler halves (12,14).

Linear surgical stapler (10) and staple cartridge (80) may be furtherconfigured and operable in accordance with one or more teachings of U.S.Pat. No. 7,905,381, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument with CuttingMember Arrangement,” issued Mar. 15, 2011; U.S. Pat. No. 7,954,686,entitled “Surgical Stapler with Apparatus for Adjusting Staple Height,”issued Jun. 7, 2011; U.S. Pat. No. 8,348,129, entitled “Surgical StaplerHaving A Closure Mechanism,” issued Jan. 8, 2013; and/or U.S. Pat. No.8,789,740, entitled “Linear Cutting and Stapling Device with SelectivelyDisengageable Cutting Member,” issued Jul. 29, 2014. The disclosure ofeach of these references is incorporated by reference herein.

B. Exemplary Use of Linear Surgical Stapler

FIGS. 4A-4C show exemplary coupling of stapler halves (12, 14) during asurgical procedure. As shown in FIG. 4A, the proximal end of anvil half(14) is aligned with the proximal end of cartridge half (12) such thatproximal pivot pin (42) of cartridge half (12) is received by proximalhooks (58) of anvil half (14). With clamp lever (24) in the openposition, anvil half (14) is then pivoted toward cartridge half (12),about proximal pivot pin (42), to direct latch projections of anvil half(14) into slots (32) of clamp lever jaws (30). Once latch projections(56) are received by clamp lever jaws (30), clamp lever (24) is pivotedtoward the partially closed position shown in FIG. 4B. In this partiallyclosed position of clamp lever (24), anvil half (14) is partiallyclamped with cartridge half (12) such that stapler (10) may now be heldwith a single hand without halves (12, 14) undesirably separating fromone another. Additionally, in this state, the distal portions of staplerhalves (12, 14) remain spaced apart from one another to permitpositioning of tissue between the distal portions. It will beappreciated that tissue may be positioned between the distal portions ofstapler halves (12, 14) before or upon achieving this partially clampedstate.

As shown in FIG. 4C, clamp lever (24) is then pivoted further toward itsfully closed position such that the camming surfaces of clamp lever jaws(30) draw latch projections of anvil half (14) proximally against theclosed proximal ends of slots (32) of clamp lever jaws (30), therebyfully clamping stapler halves (12, 14) together with tissue positionedsecurely therebetween. Once halves (12, 14) of stapler (10) are in afully clamped state, actuator (38) may be manipulated to fire staplecartridge (80). In particular, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, actuator(38) is pivoted about the proximal end of stapler (10) to overlie one ofthe lateral sides of stapler (10). Actuator (38) is then driven distallyto actuate firing assembly (34) in the manner described above andthereby simultaneously sever and staple the clamped tissue. Uponcompleting a distal firing stroke, actuator (38) may be returned to itsproximal home position shown in FIG. 2, and clamp lever (24) may then beopened to separate stapler halves (12, 14) from one another and releasethe stapled and severed tissue.

II. EXEMPLARY LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLERS HAVING CLOSURE LOCKOUT FEATURES

As described above in connection with linear surgical stapler (10),anvil half (14) is assembled with cartridge half (12) such that latchprojections (56) of anvil half (14) are received within vertical slotsdefined by side flanges (22) of cartridge channel (16). Clamp lever (24)is then pivoted from an open position to a closed position to capturelatch projections (56) and thereby clamp anvil half (14) againstcartridge half (12). As shown in FIG. 4A, clamp lever (24) must bemaintained in the open position manually by the user to preventpremature closure and permit latch projections (56) to be properlyreceived by the vertical slots of cartridge channel (16) and jaws (30)of clamp lever (24).

In some instances, it may be desirable to provide a linear surgicalstapler with features that ensure the clamp lever is automaticallymaintained in the open position and does not rotate closed until thestapler halves are sufficiently approximated such that the latchprojections of the anvil half are positioned to be captured by featuresof the cartridge half. The exemplary linear surgical staplers (200, 300,400) described below each have a configuration that provides suchbenefits.

A. Exemplary Linear Surgical Stapler Having Clamp Lever and ClosureLockout Pin on Anvil Half

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an exemplary linear surgical stapler (200) (or“linear cutter”) that is generally similar linear surgical stapler (10)described above except as otherwise described below. Linear surgicalstapler (200) includes a cartridge half (202) and an anvil half (230)configured to releasably couple together to clamp tissue therebetweenand simultaneously cut and staple the clamped tissue.

Cartridge half (202) of stapler (200) includes an elongate cartridgechannel (204) having a proximal frame portion (206) and a distal jawportion (208). Proximal frame portion (206) slidably retains a firingassembly having a firing knob (210) and includes a laterally opposedpair of upright side flanges (212). Each side flange (212) includes avertical slot (214) arranged at a proximal end of side flange (212), av-shaped notch (216) arranged distally of vertical slot (214), and acurved cam slot (218) arranged at a distal end of side flange (212). Inthe present version, one of the side flanges (212) further includes alongitudinally extending firing slot (220) through which a portion offiring knob (210) extends inwardly to couple with a translating member(not shown) of the firing assembly. Firing slot (220) enables firingknob (210) to translate longitudinally relative to cartridge channel(204) between from a proximal position to a distal position to actuatethe firing assembly and thereby fire a staple cartridge (not shown)mounted within distal jaw portion (208). The firing assembly and thestaple cartridge may be configured in accordance with any one or more ofthe teachings incorporated by reference herein. In some versions, thestaple cartridge may be similar to staple cartridge (80) describedabove.

Cartridge half (202) further includes a proximal latch member (222)coupled to the exterior of a proximal end of cartridge channel (204).Proximal latch member (222) includes a pair of vertically projectinglatch hooks (224) and is configured to translate relative to cartridgechannel (204) between a proximal latching position, shown in FIG. 7, anda distal release potion. In the proximal latching position, each latchhook (224) is configured to capture a respective lateral end of aproximal pivot pin (246) of anvil half (230), thereby coupling theproximal ends of cartridge half (202) and anvil half (230) together. Inthe release position, latch hooks (224) release proximal pivot pin (246)so that the proximal ends of stapler halves (202, 230) may be separated.In the present version, proximal latch member (222) is resilientlybiased toward the proximal latching position. Additionally, each latchhook (224) includes a proximally sloped upper surface configured to camproximal latch member (222) distally upon initial engagement withproximal pivot pin (246) during the coupling of the proximal ends ofstapler halves (202, 230).

Anvil half (230) of linear surgical stapler (200) includes an elongateanvil channel (232) having a proximal frame portion (234) and a distaljaw portion (236). As shown in FIG. 8, an underside of distal jawportion (236) supports an anvil surface (238) having a plurality ofstaple-forming pockets (240) (or “anvil pockets”) configured to formstaples ejected by a staple cartridge (not shown) mounted within distaljaw portion (208) of cartridge channel (204). Anvil surface (238) of thepresent version is formed integrally with distal jaw portion (236),though in other versions anvil surface (238) may be formed separatelyfrom anvil channel (232) and subsequently coupled to distal jaw portion(236) via permanent or releasable joining features. A tapered distal tipmember (242) extends distally from a distal jaw portion (236).

Proximal frame portion (234) of anvil channel (232) includes a laterallyopposed pair of side flanges (244) configured to be received betweencartridge channel side flanges (212) when cartridge half (202) and anvilhalf (230) are coupled together in the manner described below. Anvilchannel side flanges (244) include a pair of openings arranged at aproximal end thereof and which receive a first coupling element in theform of a first pin (246) (also referred to herein as a “pivot pin”)laterally therethrough. Anvil channel side flanges (244) further includea first pair of elongate slots (248) arranged distally of first pin(246) and which receive a second coupling element in the form of asecond pin (250) (also referred to herein as a “lockout pin”) thatextends laterally therethrough and is slidable longitudinally therein. Asecond pair of elongate slots (252) is arranged at a distal end of anvilchannel side flanges (244) and receives a third coupling element in theform of a third pin (254) (also referred to as a “clamp pin” or “latchpin”) that extends laterally therethrough and is slidable longitudinallytherein. As described in greater detail below, lockout pin (250) andclamp pin (254) are configured to translate longitudinally within theirrespective elongate slots (248, 252) to facilitate clamping of staplerhalves (202, 230) together.

As shown best in FIGS. 7 and 9, anvil half (230) further includes anelongate clamp lever (260) having a proximal handle portion (262) and adistal angled portion (264) pivotably coupled to a distal end ofproximal frame portion (234) with clamp pin (254). As described below,clamp lever (260) is configured to pivot relative to anvil channel (232)from an open position to a closed position to clamp stapler halves (202,230) together. Anvil half (230) further includes an elongate closurelink (266) having a linear distal link portion (268) and an angledproximal link portion (270). A distal end of distal link portion (268)is pivotably coupled to a distal end of clamp lever handle portion (262)by a laterally extending pin (272). A proximal end of proximal linkportion (270) is pivotably coupled to a proximal end of anvil channel(232) with pivot pin (246) described above. Accordingly, closure link(266) is configured to pivot relative to anvil channel (232) and clamplever (260) in response to pivoting of clamp lever (260) between itsopen and closed positions.

The junction between proximal link portion (270) and distal link portion(268) of closure link (266) includes an upwardly extending latch hook(274) and downwardly extending tab (276). When clamp lever (260) isclosed, as shown in FIGS. 10A-10D, latch hook (274) is received throughan opening formed in a proximal end of clamp lever handle portion (262)and is captured by a translating latch plate (278), shown in FIG. 7,thereby locking clamp lever (260) in the closed position. Latch plate(278) is slidably coupled to a proximal end of clamp lever handleportion (262) and is configured to translate longitudinally between aproximal latching position and a distal release position. Latch plate(278) is resiliently biased toward the proximal latching position and iscammed distally by a sloped upper surface of latch hook (274) when clamplever (260) is closed, such that latch hook (274) is captured within anelongate slot of latch plate (278). A proximal end of latch plate (278)extends proximally beyond a proximal end of clamp lever (260), as shownin FIG. 7, and is configured to be actuated distally by a user torelease latch hook (274) from latch plate (278) and permit opening ofclamp lever (260).

As shown in FIG. 9, lockout pin (250) extends laterally through aproximal translating clevis (280) and clamp pin (254) extends laterallythrough a distal translating clevis (282). Lockout pin (250) andproximal clevis (280) are resiliently biased distally, and clamp pin(254) and distal clevis (282) are resiliently biased proximally. In thepresent example, lockout pin (250) and clamp pin (254) are resilientlybiased in their respective directions by a shared resilient member inthe form of an extension spring (284) that couples at its proximal endto proximal clevis (280) and at its distal end to distal clevis (282).In other versions, each pin (250, 254) and its clevis (280, 282) may beresiliently biased in the respective direction by a respective resilientmember.

Lockout pin (250) of anvil half (230) is configured to function as aclosure lockout feature that engages closure link (266) to preventclosure of clamp lever (260) unless the proximal ends of stapler halves(202, 230) are coupled together and distal jaw portions (208, 236) areapproximated toward one another to a predetermined degree. As shown inFIG. 9, lockout pin (250) and proximal clevis (280) are positioned in adistal lockout position in which lockout pin (250) abuts downward tab(276) of closure link (266). This interaction prevents the distal end ofclosure link (266) from pivoting toward cartridge channel (204), whichin turn prevents clamp lever (260) from fully closing. As describedbelow in connection with FIGS. 10A-10D, lockout pin (250) is configuredto be cammed proximally to a release position by v-shaped notches (216)of cartridge channel (204) when distal jaw portions (208, 236) ofstapler halves (202, 230) are sufficiently approximated. When in theproximal release position, lockout pin (250) disengages downward tab(276) of closure link (266) and thus permits pivoting of closure link(266) and closure of clamp lever (260). As also described below inconnection with FIGS. 10A-10D, closure of clamp lever (260) drives clamppin (254) distally within longitudinal slots (252) of anvil channel(232) and curved cam slots (218) of cartridge channel (204) to therebyclamp stapler halves (202, 230) together. Upon subsequent opening ofclamp lever (260) and separation of stapler halves (202, 230), extensionspring (284) contracts such that lockout pin (250) resumes its distallockout position and clamp pin (254) resumes its proximal position,shown in FIG. 9.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, each stapler half (202, 230) includes arespective shroud configured to promote effective gripping andmanipulation of linear surgical stapler (200) by a user. In the presentexample, cartridge half (202) includes a first shroud (290) that iscoupled to and extends longitudinally along outwardly facing surfaces ofproximal frame portion (206) of cartridge channel (204). Anvil half(230) includes a second shroud (294) that is coupled to and extendslongitudinally along outwardly facing surfaces of proximal handleportion of clamp lever (260). Each shroud (290, 294) of the presentexample includes a respective distal shoulder (292, 296) configured tofurther enhance gripping and manipulation of stapler halves (202, 230).

FIGS. 10A-10D show an exemplary closure sequence for stapler halves(202, 230) of linear surgical stapler (200). As shown in FIG. 10A,stapler halves (202, 230) are aligned with one another such thatproximal pivot pin (246) of anvil half (230) is received within proximalvertical slots (214) of cartridge channel (204). Though not shown inFIGS. 10A-10D, the opposed lateral ends of pivot pin (246) are capturedby latch hooks (224) of proximal latch member (222) of cartridge half(202), as seen in FIG. 6, thereby latching the proximal ends of staplerhalves (202, 230) together. Additionally, though not shown, a staplecartridge is loaded into distal jaw portion (208) of cartridge channel(204) before stapler halves (202, 230) are brought together.

At the stage shown in FIG. 10A, lockout pin (250) is in the distallockout position so that closure link (266) is prevented from pivotingand clamp lever (260) is thus prevented from closing. As shown in FIGS.10A and 10B, anvil half (230) is then pivoted toward cartridge half(202) about proximal pivot pin (246) such that distal jaw portions (208,236) of stapler halves (202, 230) are approximated toward one another,which results in distal clamp pin (254) of anvil half (230) beingdirected into open proximal ends of curved cam slots (218) of cartridgechannel (204). The receipt of clamp pin (254) within the open proximalends of curved cam slots (218) corresponds to a predetermined degree ofapproximation of distal jaw portions (208, 236). This approximationresults in ramped distal surfaces of v-shaped notches (216) in cartridgechannel (204) contacting the lateral ends of lockout pin (250) incamming engagement and actuating lockout pin (250) proximally to itsrelease position. In particular, the ramped surfaces of v-shaped notches(216) drive lockout pin (250) proximally such that lockout pin (250)disengages downward tab (276) of closure link (266).

As shown in FIG. 10C, closure link (266) is now free to pivot relativeto anvil channel (232) such that clamp lever (260) may pivot about clamppin (254) toward its closed position. As shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D,closure of clamp lever (260) drives clamp pin (254) distally within camslots (218) of cartridge channel (204), thereby clamping anvil half(230) against cartridge half (202) and compressing tissue (not shown)positioned between distal jaw portions (208, 236). As described above,distal elongate slots (252) of anvil channel (232) enable clamp pin(254) to translate distally relative to anvil channel (232) in responseto simultaneous pivoting of closure link (266) and closure of clamplever (260). Accordingly, the configuration of stapler (200) describedabove provides mechanical advantage via clamp lever (260), whileavoiding unintended premature closure of clamp lever (260) via a clamplever lockout system defined by lockout pin (250) and closure link(266).

B. Exemplary Linear Surgical Stapler Having Button Member That ProvidesFiring Lockout and Proximal Latch Feature

In some instances, it may be desirable to provide linear surgicalstapler (200) with additional features that prevent distal actuation ofthe firing assembly until clamp lever (260) is fully closed. FIGS. 11Aand 11B show a proximal end of an exemplary alternative linear surgicalstapler (300) that includes such features. Stapler (300) includes acartridge half (302) and an anvil half (330) that are similar tocartridge half (202) and anvil half (230) described above, as indicatedby use of like references numerals, except as otherwise described below.

Cartridge half (302) of the present example omits the externally-mountedproximal latch member (222) of stapler (200) described above, andinstead includes an internally-mounted button member (304) arrangedwithin a proximal end of proximal frame portion (206) of cartridgechannel (204). Button member (304) of the present example includes ablock-like body (306) having a proximal end that defines a push-buttonfeature (308), which is exposed through an opening in the proximal endof stapler (300). A latch hook (310) extends upwardly from a medialportion of body (306) and faces proximally; and is configured to engagepivot pin (246) of anvil half (330). A post (312) extends upwardly froma distal portion of body (306) and is configured to engage a proximalface of downward tab (276) of closure link (266). A distal extension(314) extends distally from body (306) and includes an upwardlyextending tab (316) configured to engage a pusher block (320) of firingassembly (318). Pusher block (320) includes a notch (322) and is coupledto an elongate actuating beam (324) (or “knife pusher”) configured todrive a knife and staple drive features (not shown) through a staplecartridge.

Button member (304) is longitudinally movable within cartridge channel(204) between proximal and distal positions, and transversely movablebetween raised and lowered positions. Distal extension (314) of buttonmember (304) is coupled to a first resilient member in the form of acompression spring (326) that biases button member (304) proximally. Asecond resilient member in the form of a leaf spring (328) engages theunderside of button member (304) and biases button member (304)upwardly. Accordingly, compression spring (326) and leaf spring (328)cooperate to resiliently bias button member (304) toward a proximalraised position.

In the proximal raised position of button member (304), latch hook (310)is aligned longitudinally with vertical slots (214) of cartridge channel(204). Accordingly, when proximal pivot pin (246) of anvil half (330) isdirected downwardly into vertical slots (214), pivot pin (246) camsagainst a sloped upper surface of latch hook (310) and drives buttonmember (304) distally. As pivot pin (246) surpasses the upper portion oflatch hook (310), button member (304) snaps back proximally viacompression spring (326) so that latch hook (310) captures pivot pin(246) and prevents the proximal ends of stapler halves (302, 330) fromseparating. As clamp lever (260) is closed, closure link (266) pivotsdownwardly such that downward tab (276) of closure link (266) contactsand urges button member (304) downwardly against the upward bias of leafspring (328), yielding the configuration shown in FIG. 11A. In thisproximal lowered position of button member (304), post (312) abuts aproximal side of downward tab (276), thereby locking button member (304)in the proximal position and preventing release of pivot pin (246) fromlatch hook (310) while clamp member (260) remains closed. Additionally,while button member (304) is in the proximal lowered position, distaltab (316) is disengaged from pusher block (320), such that firingassembly (318) may be actuated distally by firing knob (210) (see FIG.6) to fire stapler (300).

As shown in FIG. 11B, upon reopening of clamp lever (260) after firing,downward tab (276) of closure link (266) disengages button member (304),thereby allowing button member (304) to rise via the bias of leaf spring(328). This causes distal tab (316) to engage notch (322) in theunderside of pusher block (320), thereby locking out firing assembly(318) and preventing it from being actuated distally by firing knob(210) while clamp lever (260) while remains opening. As also shown inFIG. 11B, downward tab (276) of closure link (266) has disengaged post(312) of button member (304) so that button member (304) may be actuateddistally by a user via push-button feature (308), which results in latchhook (310) releasing proximal pivot pin (246) of anvil half (230) sothat the proximal ends of stapler halves (302, 330) may be separated.

C. Exemplary Linear Surgical Stapler Having Closure Lockout Feature onCartridge Half

As described above, each of linear surgical staplers (200, 300) has aclamp lever (260) and a closure lockout feature in the form of lockoutpin (250) arranged on anvil half (230, 330). In some instances, however,it may be desirable to locate both the clamp arm and the closure lockoutfeature of a linear surgical stapler on the cartridge half. FIGS. 12-13Bshow an exemplary alternative linear surgical stapler (400) having sucha configuration. Stapler (400) is similar to staplers (10, 200, 300)described above except as otherwise described below.

As shown in FIG. 12, linear surgical stapler (400) includes a cartridgehalf (402) and an anvil half (430) configured to releasably coupletogether to clamp tissue therebetween and simultaneously cut and staplethe clamped tissue. Cartridge half (402) includes an elongate cartridgechannel (404) having a proximal frame portion (406) configured toslidably house a firing assembly (not shown), and a distal jaw portion(408) configured to receive a staple cartridge (not shown). Proximalframe portion (406) includes a laterally opposed pair of upright sideflanges (410) each having a vertical slot (412) arranged at a distal endthereof. A clamp lever (414) is pivotably coupled to a distal end ofproximal frame portion (406) and includes a pair of laterally opposedjaws (416) each having a jaw slot (418). In the present version, a firstshroud (420) is coupled to an underside of proximal frame portion (434)of cartridge channel (404), and a second shroud (422) is coupled to aproximal arm portion of clamp lever (414).

Cartridge half (402) further includes a closure lockout feature in theform of a block element (424) slidably arranged within one of thevertical slots (412) of cartridge channel (404). A resilient membershown in the form of a compression spring (426) couples block element(424) to a portion of first shroud (420) and biases block element (424)transversely toward an upper open end of vertical slot (412). As shownin FIGS. 12 and 13A, block element (424) is configured to abut thedistal tip of a respective clamp lever jaw (416) and thereby preventclosure of clamp lever (414) when stapler halves (402, 430) are notsufficiently approximated.

As shown in FIGS. 13A-13B, anvil half (430) includes an elongate anvilchannel (432) having a proximal frame portion (434) and a distal jawportion (436) configured to support an anvil surface (438) having aplurality of staple-forming pockets (not shown), which may be similar tostaple-forming pockets (238) of anvil surface (240) described above.Anvil half (430) further includes a pin (440) extending laterallythrough a distal end of proximal frame portion (434), and which isconfigured to be received within vertical slots (412) of cartridgechannel (404) when cartridge half (402) and anvil half (430) are coupledtogether.

FIG. 13A shows stapler halves (402, 430) after having been coupledtogether at their proximal ends and pivoted toward one another abouttheir proximal ends such that the opposed lateral ends of anvil pin(440) engage the upper side of block element (424). As distal jawportion (436) of anvil half (430) is approximated further toward distaljaw portion (408) of cartridge channel (404), anvil pin (440) urgesblock element (424) downwardly within vertical slot (412) by compressingcompression spring (426). As shown in FIG. 13B, further approximation ofstapler halves (402, 430) causes block element (424) to disengage thedistal tip of clamp lever jaw (416) and enable clamp lever (414) topivoted closed such that clamp lever (414) captures the opposed ends ofanvil pin (440) within jaw slots (412). Accordingly, block element (424)ensures that clamp lever (414) is permitted to close only once anvil pin(440) is sufficiently aligned with and received within the open ends ofcartridge channel slots (412), thereby preventing premature closure ofclamp lever (414) that would prevent receipt of anvil pin (440) withinvertical slots (412). Upon reopening of clamp lever (414) to releaseanvil pin (440) from cartridge channel slots (412), compression spring(426) expands to return block element (424) to the raised blockingposition shown in FIG. 13A.

III. EXEMPLARY LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER HAVING ASSISTIVE LEVER FOROPENING Clamp Lever

In some instances, it may be desirable to provide a linear surgicalstapler with a feature that assists with the opening of the clamp lever,which may be particular advantageous when the stapler halves are clampedon thicker pieces of tissue with greater clamping forces. FIGS. 14-15Bshow an exemplary linear surgical stapler (500) having an assistivelever (510) that provides such benefits. Stapler (500) is similar tostaplers (10, 200, 300, 400) described above except as otherwisedescribed below.

As shown in FIG. 14, linear surgical stapler (500) includes a cartridgehalf (502) and an anvil half (520) configured to releasably coupletogether to clamp tissue therebetween and simultaneously cut and staplethe clamped tissue. Cartridge half (502) includes an elongate cartridgechannel (504) having a proximal frame portion configured to slidablyhouse a firing assembly that includes an elongate actuating member(504), shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. A distal jaw portion (506) ofcartridge channel (504) is configured to receive a staple cartridge (notshown). Cartridge half (502) further includes a clamp lever (508)pivotably coupled with cartridge channel (504) and configured to pivotbetween an open position and a closed position to clamp anvil half (520)against cartridge half (502).

Cartridge half (502) further includes an assistive lever (510) pivotablycoupled to a proximal portion of cartridge half (502). Assistive lever(510) of the present example includes a proximal head (512), an elongatearm (514) extending distally and angularly downward from head (512), anda distal finger (516) extending angularly upward from a distal end oflever arm (514). As shown in FIG. 14, lever finger (516) is positionedto engage the underside of a proximal end of clamp lever (508).Accordingly, when clamp lever (508) is closed, clamp lever (508) engagesdistal finger (516) and pivots assistive lever (510) in a firstdirection such that proximal head (512) rises. When a user wishes toopen clamp lever (508), the user depresses proximal head (512), whichcauses assistive lever (510) to pivot in a second direction and drivedistal finger (516) against the underside of the proximal end of clamplever (508), thereby slightly opening clamp lever (508).

As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, assistive lever (510) of the presentexample further includes a firing lockout tab (518) extending downwardlyfrom lever arm (514). As shown in FIG. 15A, when clamp lever (508) isopen assistive lever (510) is configured to assume a pivot position inwhich lockout tab (518) engages a proximal end of firing assemblyactuating member (504), thereby block distal actuation of actuatingmember (504) such that firing is prevented. As shown in FIG. 15B, whenclamp lever (508) is closed, clamp lever (508) engages lever arm (514)and causes assistive lever (510) to pivot such that lockout tab (518)disengages firing assembly actuating member (504) and permits firing ofstapler (500).

IV. EXEMPLARY COMBINATIONS

The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in whichthe teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understoodthat the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage ofany claims that may be presented at any time in this application or insubsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. Thefollowing examples are being provided for nothing more than merelyillustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachingsherein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is alsocontemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred toin the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or featuresreferred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitlyindicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor ininterest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in thisapplication or in subsequent filings related to this application thatinclude additional features beyond those referred to below, thoseadditional features shall not be presumed to have been added for anyreason relating to patentability.

Example 1

A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a first elongate member having adistal portion configured to support one of a staple cartridge or ananvil surface having a plurality of staple-forming pockets; (b) a secondelongate member having a distal portion configured to support the otherof a staple cartridge or an anvil surface having a plurality ofstaple-forming pockets; (c) a clamp member, wherein the clamp member ismovable from an open position to a closed position to releasably clampthe first and second elongate members together; (d) a clamp lockoutfeature supported by the first elongate member, wherein the clamplockout feature is moveable between a lockout position in which theclamp lockout feature is configured to prevent closure of the clampmember, and a release position in which the clamp lockout feature isconfigured to permit closure of the clamp member; and (e) an actuatingfeature supported by the second elongate member, wherein the actuatingfeature is configured to actuate the clamp lockout feature from thelockout position to the release position in response to approximation ofthe distal portions of the first and second elongate members.

Example 2

The surgical stapler of Example 1, wherein the distal portion of thefirst elongate member supports an anvil surface having a plurality ofstaple-forming pockets, wherein the distal portion of the secondelongate member is configured to support a staple cartridge, wherein theclamp lockout feature and the actuating feature are located proximal tothe anvil surface.

Example 3

The surgical stapler of any of the preceding Examples, wherein the clampmember comprises a clamp lever pivotably coupled to the first elongatemember with a coupling element.

Example 4

The surgical stapler of Example 3, wherein the coupling element isconfigured to translate relative to the first elongate member inresponse to closure of the clamp lever.

Example 5

The surgical stapler of any of Examples 3 through 4, wherein the secondelongate member includes a slot configured to capture the couplingelement in response to closure of the clamp lever.

Example 6

The surgical stapler of any of the preceding Examples, wherein the clamplockout feature is configured to translate along a longitudinal axis ofthe first elongate member between the lockout position and the releaseposition.

Example 7

The surgical stapler of any of the preceding Examples, wherein thelockout position is oriented distally and the release position isoriented proximally.

Example 8

The surgical stapler of any of the preceding Examples, wherein the clamplockout feature is resiliently biased toward the lockout position.

Example 9

The surgical stapler of any of the preceding Examples, wherein the clamplockout feature comprises a pin that extends laterally relative to thefirst elongate member.

Example 10

The surgical stapler of any of the preceding Examples, wherein theactuating feature comprises a ramp, wherein the ramp is configured tocam the clamp lockout feature longitudinally from the lockout positionto the release position in response to approximation of the distalportions of the first and second elongate members

Example 11

The surgical stapler of Example 10, wherein the ramp is defined by anotch formed in the second elongate member.

Example 12

The surgical stapler of any of the preceding Examples, furthercomprising a link coupled with the clamp member, wherein the clamplockout feature in the lockout position is configured to engage the linkto prevent closure of the clamp member, wherein the clamp lockoutfeature in the release position is configured to disengage the link topermit closure of the clamp member.

Example 13

The surgical stapler of Example 12, wherein a proximal end of the linkis pivotably coupled with the first elongate member, wherein a distalend of the link is pivotably coupled with the clamp member.

Example 14

The surgical stapler of any of Examples 12 through 13, wherein the clampmember comprises a clamp lever pivotably coupled with the first elongatemember, wherein the link includes a projection configured to releasablyengage a free end of the clamp lever.

Example 15

The surgical stapler of any of Examples 12 through 14, wherein aproximal end of the link is coupled to the first elongate member with acoupling element, wherein the surgical stapler further comprises amovable structure supported by the second elongate member, wherein themoveable structure includes a latch feature configured to releasablycapture the coupling element to thereby couple a proximal end of thefirst elongate member with a proximal end of the second elongate member.

Example 16

A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a first elongate member having adistal portion configured to support one of a staple cartridge or ananvil surface having a plurality of staple-forming pockets; (b) a secondelongate member having a distal portion configured to support the otherof a staple cartridge or an anvil surface having a plurality ofstaple-forming pockets; (c) a clamp member coupled to a first portion ofthe first elongate member, wherein the clamp member is movable from anopen position to a closed position to releasably clamp the first andsecond elongate members together; and (d) a link, wherein a first end ofthe link is coupled to a second portion of the first elongate member,wherein a second end of the link is coupled to the clamp member, whereinthe link is operable to prevent closure of the clamp member when thefirst elongate member is separated from the second elongate member,wherein the link is operable to permit closure of the clamp member inresponse to approximation of the distal portions of the first and secondelongate members.

Example 17

The surgical stapler of Example 16, wherein the first end of the link ispivotably coupled to the second portion of the first elongate member,wherein the second end of the link is pivotably coupled to the clampmember.

Example 18

The surgical stapler of any of Examples 16 through 17, furthercomprising a lockout feature movable between a lockout position and arelease position, wherein the lockout feature in the lockout position isconfigured to engage the link to prevent closure of the clamp member,wherein the lockout feature in the release position is configured todisengage the link to permit closure of the clamp member.

Example 19

A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a first stapler half having a distalportion with a plurality of staple-forming pockets; and (b) a secondstapler half configured to releasably couple with the first staplerhalf, wherein the second stapler half comprises: (i) a proximal portion,(ii) a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge, (iii) afiring assembly, and (iv) a movable structure supported by the proximalportion, wherein the moveable structure comprises: (A) a latch feature,and (B) a firing lockout feature, wherein the movable structure ismovable between a first position in which the latch feature captures aproximal feature of the first stapler half and the firing lockoutfeature permits actuation of the firing assembly, and a second positionin which the latch feature releases the proximal feature and the firinglockout feature prevents actuation of the firing assembly.

Example 20

The surgical stapler of Example 19, further comprising a clamp membermovable from an open position to a closed position to releasably clampthe first and second stapler halves together, wherein the movablestructure further comprises a structure lockout feature configured toprevent the movable structure from moving to the second position whenthe clamp member is in the closed position.

V. MISCELLANEOUS

It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings,expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may becombined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions,embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. Theabove-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc.should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other.Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined willbe readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims.

Further, any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments,examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more ofthe teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described inU.S. application Ser. No. 15/889,363, entitled “Release Mechanism forLinear Surgical Stapler,” filed on Feb. 6, 2018; U.S. application Ser.No. 15/889,370, entitled “Lockout Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler,”filed on Feb. 6, 2018; U.S. application Ser. No. 15/889,374, entitled“Features to Align and Close Linear Surgical Stapler,” filed on Feb. 6,2018; U.S. application Ser. No. 15/889,376, entitled “ReleasableCoupling Features for Proximal Portions of Linear Surgical Stapler,”filed on Feb. 6, 2018; U.S. application Ser. No. 15/889,388, entitled“Firing Lever Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler,” filed on Feb. 6,2018; U.S. application Ser. No. 15/889,390, entitled “Clamping Mechanismfor Linear Surgical Stapler,” filed on Feb. 6, 2018; U.S. applicationSer. No. 16/102,164, entitled “Firing System for Linear SurgicalStapler,” filed on Aug. 13, 2018; U.S. application Ser. No. 16/102,170,entitled “Clamping Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler,” filed on Aug.13, 2018; and U.S. App No. [Atty Dkt. END8624USNP], entitled “AnvilAssembly for Linear Surgical Stapler,” filed on even date herewith. Thedisclosure of each of these applications is incorporated by referenceherein.

It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or otherdisclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to beincorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to theextent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existingdefinitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in thisdisclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure asexplicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting materialincorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, thatis said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts withexisting definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forthherein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arisesbetween that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Versions of the devices described above may have application inconventional medical treatments and procedures conducted by a medicalprofessional, as well as application in robotic-assisted medicaltreatments and procedures. By way of example only, various teachingsherein may be readily incorporated into a robotic surgical system suchas the DAVINCI™ system by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., of Sunnyvale, Calif.Similarly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious teachings herein may be readily combined with various teachingsof any of the following: U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,135, entitled “ArticulatedSurgical Instrument For Performing Minimally Invasive Surgery WithEnhanced Dexterity and Sensitivity,” issued Aug. 11, 1998, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No.5,817,084, entitled “Remote Center Positioning Device with FlexibleDrive,” issued Oct. 6, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,193, entitled “Automated EndoscopeSystem for Optimal Positioning,” issued Mar. 2, 1999, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,565,entitled “Robotic Arm DLUS for Performing Surgical Tasks,” issued May15, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein;U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,524, entitled “Robotic Surgical Tool with UltrasoundCauterizing and Cutting Instrument,” issued Aug. 31, 2004, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No.6,364,888, entitled “Alignment of Master and Slave in a MinimallyInvasive Surgical Apparatus,” issued Apr. 2, 2002, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,524,320,entitled “Mechanical Actuator Interface System for Robotic SurgicalTools,” issued Apr. 28, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,691,098, entitled “Platform Link WristMechanism,” issued Apr. 6, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,806,891, entitled “Repositioningand Reorientation of Master/Slave Relationship in Minimally InvasiveTelesurgery,” issued Oct. 5, 2010, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,789, entitled“Automated End Effector Component Reloading System for Use with aRobotic System,” issued Sep. 30, 2014, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 8,820,605, entitled“Robotically-Controlled Surgical Instruments,” issued Sep. 2, 2014, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No.8,616,431, entitled “Shiftable Drive Interface forRobotically-Controlled Surgical Tool,” issued Dec. 31, 2013, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No.8,573,461, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instruments with Cam-DrivenStaple Deployment Arrangements,” issued Nov. 5, 2013, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 8,602,288,entitled “Robotically-Controlled Motorized Surgical End Effector Systemwith Rotary Actuated Closure Systems Having Variable Actuation Speeds,”issued Dec. 10, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 9,301,759, entitled“Robotically-Controlled Surgical Instrument with SelectivelyArticulatable End Effector,” issued Apr. 5, 2016, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 8,783,541,entitled “Robotically-Controlled Surgical End Effector System,” issuedJul. 22, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein; U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,969, entitled “Drive Interface for OperablyCoupling a Manipulatable Surgical Tool to a Robot,” issued Jul. 9, 2013;U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 8,800,838, entitled “Robotically-ControlledCable-Based Surgical End Effectors,” issued Aug. 12, 2014, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; and/or U.S.Pat. No. 8,573,465, entitled “Robotically-Controlled Surgical EndEffector System with Rotary Actuated Closure Systems,” issued Nov. 5,2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Versions of the devices described above may be designed to be disposedof after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multipletimes. Versions may, in either or both cases, be reconditioned for reuseafter at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination ofthe steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning orreplacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. Inparticular, some versions of the device may be disassembled, and anynumber of the particular pieces or parts of the device may beselectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/orreplacement of particular parts, some versions of the device may bereassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, orby a user immediately prior to a procedure. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety oftechniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use ofsuch techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all withinthe scope of the present application.

By way of example only, versions described herein may be sterilizedbefore and/or after a procedure. In one sterilization technique, thedevice is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic orTYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a field ofradiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation,x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on thedevice and in the container. The sterilized device may then be stored inthe sterile container for later use. A device may also be sterilizedusing any other technique known in the art, including but not limited tobeta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention,further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may beaccomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill inthe art without departing from the scope of the present invention.Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and otherswill be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, theexamples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps,and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered interms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to thedetails of structure and operation shown and described in thespecification and drawings.

I/We claim:
 1. A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a first elongatemember having a distal portion configured to support one of a staplecartridge or an anvil surface having a plurality of staple-formingpockets; (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configuredto support the other of a staple cartridge or an anvil surface having aplurality of staple-forming pockets; (c) a clamp member, wherein theclamp member is movable from an open position to a closed position toreleasably clamp the first and second elongate members together; (d) aclamp lockout feature supported by the first elongate member, whereinthe clamp lockout feature is moveable between a lockout position inwhich the clamp lockout feature is configured to prevent closure of theclamp member, and a release position in which the clamp lockout featureis configured to permit closure of the clamp member; and (e) anactuating feature supported by the second elongate member, wherein theactuating feature is configured to actuate the clamp lockout featurefrom the lockout position to the release position in response toapproximation of the distal portions of the first and second elongatemembers.
 2. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the distal portionof the first elongate member supports an anvil surface having aplurality of staple-forming pockets, wherein the distal portion of thesecond elongate member is configured to support a staple cartridge,wherein the clamp lockout feature and the actuating feature are locatedproximal to the anvil surface.
 3. The surgical stapler of claim 1,wherein the clamp member comprises a clamp lever pivotably coupled tothe first elongate member with a coupling element.
 4. The surgicalstapler of claim 3, wherein the coupling element is configured totranslate relative to the first elongate member in response to closureof the clamp lever.
 5. The surgical stapler of claim 4, wherein thesecond elongate member includes a slot configured to capture thecoupling element in response to closure of the clamp lever.
 6. Thesurgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the clamp lockout feature isconfigured to translate along a longitudinal axis of the first elongatemember between the lockout position and the release position.
 7. Thesurgical stapler of claim 6, wherein the lockout position is orienteddistally and the release position is oriented proximally.
 8. Thesurgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the clamp lockout feature isresiliently biased toward the lockout position.
 9. The surgical staplerof claim 1, wherein the clamp lockout feature comprises a pin thatextends laterally relative to the first elongate member.
 10. Thesurgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the actuating feature comprises aramp, wherein the ramp is configured to cam the clamp lockout featurelongitudinally from the lockout position to the release position inresponse to approximation of the distal portions of the first and secondelongate members
 11. The surgical stapler of claim 10, wherein the rampis defined by a notch formed in the second elongate member.
 12. Thesurgical stapler of claim 1, further comprising a link coupled with theclamp member, wherein the clamp lockout feature in the lockout positionis configured to engage the link to prevent closure of the clamp member,wherein the clamp lockout feature in the release position is configuredto disengage the link to permit closure of the clamp member.
 13. Thesurgical stapler of claim 12, wherein a proximal end of the link ispivotably coupled with the first elongate member, wherein a distal endof the link is pivotably coupled with the clamp member.
 14. The surgicalstapler of claim 12, wherein the clamp member comprises a clamp leverpivotably coupled with the first elongate member, wherein the linkincludes a projection configured to releasably engage a free end of theclamp lever.
 15. The surgical stapler of claim 12, wherein a proximalend of the link is coupled to the first elongate member with a couplingelement, wherein the surgical stapler further comprises a movablestructure supported by the second elongate member, wherein the moveablestructure includes a latch feature configured to releasably capture thecoupling element to thereby couple a proximal end of the first elongatemember with a proximal end of the second elongate member.
 16. A surgicalstapler comprising: (a) a first elongate member having a distal portionconfigured to support one of a staple cartridge or an anvil surfacehaving a plurality of staple-forming pockets; (b) a second elongatemember having a distal portion configured to support the other of astaple cartridge or an anvil surface having a plurality ofstaple-forming pockets; (c) a clamp member coupled to a first portion ofthe first elongate member, wherein the clamp member is movable from anopen position to a closed position to releasably clamp the first andsecond elongate members together; and (d) a link, wherein a first end ofthe link is coupled to a second portion of the first elongate member,wherein a second end of the link is coupled to the clamp member, whereinthe link is operable to prevent closure of the clamp member when thefirst elongate member is separated from the second elongate member,wherein the link is operable to permit closure of the clamp member inresponse to approximation of the distal portions of the first and secondelongate members.
 17. The surgical stapler of claim 16, wherein thefirst end of the link is pivotably coupled to the second portion of thefirst elongate member, wherein the second end of the link is pivotablycoupled to the clamp member.
 18. The surgical stapler of claim 16,further comprising a lockout feature movable between a lockout positionand a release position, wherein the lockout feature in the lockoutposition is configured to engage the link to prevent closure of theclamp member, wherein the lockout feature in the release position isconfigured to disengage the link to permit closure of the clamp member.19. A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a first stapler half having adistal portion with a plurality of staple-forming pockets; and (b) asecond stapler half configured to releasably couple with the firststapler half, wherein the second stapler half comprises: (i) a proximalportion, (ii) a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge,(iii) a firing assembly, and (iv) a movable structure supported by theproximal portion, wherein the moveable structure comprises: (A) a latchfeature, and (B) a firing lockout feature, wherein the movable structureis movable between a first position in which the latch feature capturesa proximal feature of the first stapler half and the firing lockoutfeature permits actuation of the firing assembly, and a second positionin which the latch feature releases the proximal feature and the firinglockout feature prevents actuation of the firing assembly.
 20. Thesurgical stapler of claim 19, further comprising a clamp member movablefrom an open position to a closed position to releasably clamp the firstand second stapler halves together, wherein the movable structurefurther comprises a structure lockout feature configured to prevent themovable structure from moving to the second position when the clampmember is in the closed position.